Technology impacts just about every area of our lives, and our family life is not immune to it. While some technology can be distractions to interacting as a family there are just as many that can be used to bring your family together.

Cellphones are everywhere and average age of ownership lowers all the time. While there is a long-standing debate over when a child should have their own phone, a basic cellphone can help keep a family updated with each other. If your son’s soccer practice ends early due to weather then he is able to contact you to get a ride, or maybe the family wants a particular dish for dinner and need to contact Dad on his way home. Technology helps a modern family communicate.

Video game systems are also an excellent source of family entertainment. While it may not be the Monopoly board you remember as a child there are several games that the entire family can play at once. Many music games support up to four simultaneous players and have a song catalog that spans many decades so you can your children can share in each other’s musical tastes.

Technology doesn’t have to be a wedge that drives your family members to isolation. They can also bring you all together and strengthen your relationships with one another.